Toronto Blue Jays acquire former Pittsburgh Pirates left handed pitcher
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Victor William
Feb 5, 2026 (9:57)
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Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Josh Fleming is officially a Blue Jay, and this low-risk gamble is exactly the kind of move smart teams make before Spring Training.
The Blue Jays have reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with the left-handed specialist, inviting him to big league camp.
Source: LH Josh Fleming is in agreement on a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Blue Jays.
Fleming, 29, spent last season with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate and has posted a 4.77 ERA in 80 games (25 starts) with the Rays and Pirates in the big leagues.
Fleming, 29, spent last season with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate and has posted a 4.77 ERA in 80 games (25 starts) with the Rays and Pirates in the big leagues.
While this signing won't break the internet, it provides crucial insurance for a bullpen that can never have enough southpaws.
Josh Fleming (Drafted 5th Round, 2017 by Tampa Bay) knows the AL East grind intimately from his time with the Rays.
He is coming off a 2025 season spent primarily in Triple-A Tacoma, where he posted a 4.91 ERA in the Mariners' system.
The surface numbers might look rough, but his ground-ball pedigree remains elite (career 58.4% GB rate).
This is a classic "buy low" candidate who fits the profile of a pitcher that Toronto's pitching lab loves to fix.
Josh Fleming is a ground-ball machine waiting to be unlocked
His sinker-heavy approach is tailor-made for getting double plays when the game is on the line.
The "Eye Test" from his Rays days reminds us of a guy who can frustrate hitters by simply refusing to let them lift the ball.
At 29 years old, he has 254.2 innings of MLB experience and a career 4.77 ERA to show for it.
He isn't going to blow anyone away with velocity, but his deception and movement are legitimate weapons.
If he cracks the roster, he gives the Jays a valuable swingman who can eat innings or get a big lefty out.
Fans should see this as a zero-risk audition; if he clicks, he's a steal. If not, it cost nothing.
Competition in camp brings out the best in everyone, and Fleming is hungry to prove he still belongs in "The Show."
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 5|247 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays acquire former Pittsburgh Pirates left handed pitcher Do you think Josh Fleming will make the Opening Day roster? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 32.8 % |
| No | 166 | 67.2 % |
| List of polls | ||